Find out why it’s worth supporting the goals of the Act.
The Plain Language Act 2022 applies to the New Zealand Government, including all its public service agencies and Crown agents. The purpose of the Act is to improve effectiveness and accountability. The Act requires communications to be clear and accessible to the public, and explicitly requires language that is:
Read the Plain Language Act 2022 on the NZ Legislation website
Read guidance for agencies from the Public Service Commission
Everyone who lives and works in Aotearoa gets essential information from the government. Plain language makes that information understandable and accessible. Plain language supports accessibility because it works well with assistive devices and is easier to translate. And plain language will encourage language that’s respectful and inclusive for everyone in Aotearoa.
The Plain Language Act 2022 will help government agencies build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
Read more from our blog.
Five ways to show respect with language
Three ways that plain language is a social good
One of the biggest benefits of plain language is efficiency. Every document has a cost — the writer’s time and hourly rate, and the time the reader spends on it. Time and money are lost untangling long and complex information, clarifying, asking for more information, fixing, and rewriting. Plain language is clear, concise, and answers all the readers’ likely questions.
We’re brimming with ideas to help you make sure your writing matches up.